Manager of Portfolio Operations

WHO IS WESTERN ASSET

Western Asset Management focuses on supporting our clients' financial goals and creating positive outcomes for all kinds of people. Primarily a globally integrated fixed-income manager, we source ideas and investment solutions worldwide, with an emphasis on long-term fundamental value investing, using multiple diversified strategies.

As the Manager of Portfolio Operations, you will drive excellence and continuous improvement in the management of the investment function. Your role helps ensure the seamless execution of daily portfolio management operations, underpinning the global portfolio management team at Western Asset. As a liaison to the broker/dealer community, you will leverage your expertise to maintain robust external relationships. You will collaborate with critical departments such as Investment Operations, Information Technology, Legal, and

Compliance.

In partnership with the Director of Global Portfolio Operations, you will influence strategic portfolio operational decisions and spearhead initiatives that enhance and sustain organizational capabilities. You will oversee the management of end-to-end investment processes and procedures, aligning them with the evolving needs of Western Asset's dynamic and expanding global operations.

This role involves leading a team of 10 seasoned portfolio operations professionals based in Pasadena, ensuring that their collective efforts contribute to the overall success and growth of the organization. The ideal candidate will have a background in change management, investment theory, trade execution, portfolio management and possess a deep understanding of best in class market practices.

What you will do

• Lead portfolio operational teams tasked with supporting the investment management team and partnering closely with global counterparts
• Continuously improve culture of compliance to ensure all investment management and trading activities comply with relevant regulatory requirements and internal controls and testing policies
• Develop and evolve reporting and metrics used to monitor daily trading activity and related allocation processes to ensure completion. Build-out and deliver operational excellence to meet or exceed SLAs and measure KPIs. Implement continuous process improvement initiatives to ensure optimal efficacy levels at all times.
• Manage a team of approximately 10 individuals that are responsible for all operational aspects of global assets at approximately $300 billion, which includes internally managed assets as well as supporting new business initiatives.
• Serve as the point of contact for the broker-dealer community. Manage ~12 top broker-dealer relationships, resolve issues and create avenues to expand the mutual business relationship.
• Drive transformation throughout the trading life cycle while leveraging people, process, data, and technology.
• Leverage existing risk controls, implement new monitoring, and control improvements to ensure errors and risk events are kept at acceptable minimum levels.
• Strategically leverage workflows to ensure effective cross-functional processes across departments globally.
• Drive a culture of accountability and organization with documented, scalable processes.
• Work with IT and investment data and systems team to implement new tools that support the global investment management infrastructure.

What you will bring

• Expert knowledge of trading, portfolio management, market structure, portfolio operations, internal controls, and risk management, with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in the fixed income sectors
• A minimum of 5 years of people management experience, demonstrating the ability to lead, mentor and develop employees, including the ability to delegate key areas of responsibility
• Demonstrated success in leveraging technology in portfolio management settings to drive improvements and advancements in the investment process life cycle
• Experience utilizing advanced analytical tools and artificial intelligence to drive transformation in the investment process
• Aladdin experience a plus
• This position is market hours and in the office 4 days per week
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field or equivalent related work experience
• CFA Preferred
• Proficient in R, Python, SQL and/or automation tools

Expected base salary for the role will generally be between $200,000 - $275,000 per year at the commencement of employment. However, base salary if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include other forms of compensation such as, discretionary bonuses, short and long-term incentive packages, and Company-sponsored benefit programs.

About Western Asset

At Western Asset we're saying hello to the future. Committed to being the leading fixed-income investment management firm in the world, we're investing in new technologies, methodologies and markets. We're also investing in our people. Our business is guided by a belief in doing the right thing: that if we treat our clients and colleagues with fairness and respect, success will follow. We're building on our reputation and resources with an entrepreneurial approach that drives innovation. Every day is an opportunity for us to get better by making the most of the possibilities that our people and ideas can bring.

Our Commitment to Diversity

We believe a diverse and cohesive workforce promotes the formation of different ideas and viewpoints, enhances independent thinking, and helps create a work environment where the best ideas are identified and implemented. We are committed to unlocking the power of diversity through an inclusive environment that affords everyone the opportunity to develop individually, advance professionally and participate fully in the Firm's success.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ("EEO")

Western Asset Management is an Equal Opportunity/AffirmativeAction Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition (including pregnancy and related conditions), physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, and/or any other characteristic protected by law.

Link to Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Link to Pay Transparency Notice

Link to Equal Employment Opportunity Poster

Link to Equal Employment Opportunity Poster Supplement

Link to Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act

Join our talent pool

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